Just Do It
José Limon Dance Company
Thu., Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m.; Fri., Dec. 7, 8 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 8, 2 and 8 p.m., $29-$46, Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St., 215-898-3900, pennpresents.org
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"Pioneers and Innovators" is the theme of this season's Dance Celebration series at Annenberg, and the José Limon Dance Company — whose co-founder and choreographic inspiration, José Limon, died in 1972 — qualifies on both counts. Limon was a master at using subtle movement to convey big themes. The Moor's Pavane (1949), which features just four dancers and includes steps transposed from 16th-century court dance, is his best-known work. That's all he needed to explore the heart of Shakespeare's Othello. The 16th-century hesitation step, which he used so effectively, still shows up in wedding processions.
The revival of The Traitor, created in 1954 for a cast of eight men, promises to be a highlight. Supposedly about Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus, the piece reflects Limon's own reaction to the McCarthy era and watching friends betray friends in his own time. Suite From Choreographic Offering, Limon's homage to the great Doris Humphrey, who was his company's co-founder, rounds out the program.
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